04 - Earth-Sun Relationship - Question Sheet.pdf

Earth-Sun Relationship Earth-Sun Relationship Section 1: Solstices, Equinoxes, and Seasons Please define the following (refer to the internet or a physical geography textbook as necessary): 1. Subsolar Point (SSP): term used in astronomy and geography to refer to the specific point on the Earth's surface where the Sun is directly overhead at a particular moment in time. This point is also known as the solar zenith or solar noon point. At the subsolar point, the Sun's rays strike the Earth's surface at a 90-degree angle, creating minimal shadow and maximum solar radiation. 2. Solstice (define, specify dates, and give exact location of the SSP on each date): Summer Solstice: Date: Around December 21st or 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. Location of the Subsolar Point (SSP): During the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice, the subsolar point is located at the Tropic of Capricorn, which is at approximately 23.5 degrees south latitude. Winter Solstice: Date: Around June 21st or 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. Location of the Subsolar Point (SSP): During the Southern Hemisphere's winter solstice, the subsolar point is located at the Tropic of Cancer, which is at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude. These solstices mark the beginning of the summer and winter seasons in each hemisphere and are key events in the Earth's annual cycle of axial tilt and orbit around the Sun. The exact dates may vary slightly from year to year due to the Earth's elliptical orbit and other astronomical factors. 3. Equinox (define, specify dates, and give exact location of the SSP on each date) An equinox is an astronomical event that occurs twice a year when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths all over the world. During an equinox, the Subsolar Point (SSP) is located directly above the equator. There are two equinoxes:

Vernal Equinox (Spring Equinox): Date: Around March 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. Location of the Subsolar Point (SSP): During the vernal equinox, the SSP is situated directly above the equator, at 0 degrees latitude. This results in approximately equal day and night lengths all around the globe. Autumnal Equinox (Fall Equinox) : Date: Around September 22nd or 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere. Location of the Subsolar Point (SSP): During the autumnal equinox, just like the vernal equinox, the SSP is located directly above the equator at 0 degrees latitude, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths globally. In the Southern Hemisphere, the dates and locations of the Subsolar Point during the equinoxes are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere: 4. Based on the globe view and your understanding of some of the significant lines of latitude, complete the following table: Name of Latitude Identification on image Latitude Equator D 0˚ Tropic of Cancer 23.5˚N Tropic of Capricorn 23.5˚S Arctic Circle 66.5˚N Antarctic Circle 66.5˚S North Pole 90˚N South Pole 90˚S

1 Earth-Sun Relationship Figure 4.2: Significant Latitudes on Earth Each diagram below illustrates the tilt of the earth as it continues in its revolution around the sun. In each diagram, identify the date (or dates), the declination (latitude of the subsolar point), and number of hours of sunlight at the specified latitudes. 5. Dates ____ March 21 & September 23 _________________ 6. Declination ________ 0° ____________

7. Hours of Sunlight at the Equator 12 hour _______ 8. Hours of Sunlight at the Arctic Circle __ 12 hour ___ 2 Earth-Sun Relationship 9. Date ___ 21 june _______ 10. Declination ______ 23.5°N ______________ 11. Hours of Sunlight at the Equator __ 12 hour _____ 12. Hours of Sunlight above the Arctic Circle __ 24 hour __ 13. Date ____ 22 December ______ 14. Declination ________ 23.5°S ____________

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